At a Glance

Go “island hopping” to experience firsthand the rich history and ecology of three barrier islands, from Civil War-era forts and lighthouses to the lavish millionaire cottages. Lush homes, gorgeous sandy beaches, culinary delights and fascinating cultural and maritime histories combine for a magical adventure on St. Simons, Sapelo and Jekyll Islands.

Activity Level

Moderate

Walking up to a half-mile, including beach and marsh walks; ferry ride to Sapelo.

Best of all, you'll ...

Prepare for your field trip to Jekyll with lunch at the Jekyll Island Club hotel and learn how the island was made into a winter retreat for families including the Rockefellers and Pulitzers.

Explore St. Simons battlegrounds, evocative churches, lighthouse and beaches and then board the Lady Jane shrimp vessel and identify the catch of the day from a drag net.

After a ferry ride to Sapelo Island, join a local expert to learn the stories of the island.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Tricia Buie

Tricia Buie makes history come alive through her work with Civil War reenactments and as a living history presenter throughout the Southeast, specializing in the lives of 19th-century women. She is a Coastal Georgia Historian for the Center for Educational Adventure, and is a volunteer docent for the Coastal Georgia Historic Lighthouse and Hofwyl Plantation. Tricia and her husband have personally researched and restored 6 historic homes, and they presently reside in a 108 year-old farmhouse.

Tricia Buie

Michele Johnson

Suggested Reading List

View 12 books

The Beloved Invader (St. Simons Trilogy) Book 3

by Eugenia Price

In this masterful first novel by Eugenia Price, a wealthy young northerner, Anson Dodge, shares his heart with two very different women -- Ellen, who passionately adores him, and Anna, who comforts him in sorrow. They each surrender themselves to his dreams. Anson's story unfolds as a beautiful tale of honor when he rebuilds the war-torn Christ Church, Frederica, in memory of lost love.

Sapelo's People: A Long Walk into Freedom

by William S. McFeely

In this moving and original work, William S. McFeely, one of this country's most distinguished historians, retells the history—and enters into the current-day lives—of the people who inhabit Sapelo's Island off the coast of Georgia, descendants of slaves who once worked its huge cotton plantations. It is at once a richly detailed work of historical reconstruction, a sensitive portrait of the lives of black Americans in this particular place and in our own time, and a moving meditation on race by a writer who has made its painful dilemmas his life's work as a historian.

New Moon Rising (St. Simons Trilogy) Book 2

by Eugenia Price

Horace Gould returns to St. Simons and wins the heart of lovely neighbor Deborah Abbott, who adores her Mr. Gould", despite the difference in their years. She is not concerned with his rumored past, but she is saddened by his lack of faith.

St. Simons Island (GA) (Images of America)

by Patricia Morris

From the days of early tribes that hunted and fished to the tourists who later relaxed on the beaches, St. Simons Island has been part of the changing landscape of Georgia's coast. When Gen. James E. Oglethorpe established Fort Frederica to protect Savannah and the Carolinas from the threat of Spain, it was, for a short time, a vibrant hub of British military operations. During the latter part of the 1700s, a plantation society thrived on the island until the outbreak of the War Between the States. Never returning to an agricultural community, by 1870 St. Simons re-established itself with the development of a booming timber industry. And by the 1870s, the pleasant climate and proximity to the sea drew visitors to St. Simons as a year-round resort. Although the causeway had brought large numbers of summer people to the island, St. Simons remained a sleepy little place with only a few hundred permanent residents until 1941.

St. Simons Island: A Summary of Its History [Paperback]

by R. Edwin Green

South of Savannah, along the picturesque and historic coastline of Georgia, lies a group of barrier islands known as the Golden Isles. This collection of coastal Sea Islands has attracted people—Native Americans, European settlers and vacationing sun-seekers—throughout history, for the islands’ bountiful resources and appealing climate. Perhaps the brightest jewel of these islands is St. Simons Island. The History Press is proud to release St. Simons Island: A Summary of its History, by local resident and historian Reverend Edwin Green. Green has compiled an informative volume, which highlights the unique and developing history of one of Georgia’s most popular Sea Islands.

A Guide to the Georgia Coast, The Georgia Conservancy

by Suzanne McIntosh

Natural, historical, cultural, and recreational sites along the Georgia coast are described in detail. Includes driving maps and directions.

A Guide to a Georgia Barrier Island: Featuring Jekyll Island With St. Simons & Sapelo Islands

by Taylor Schoettle

Testimonial: Ever wished, as you walked along a deserted stretch of beach or stared at the ruins of a stately old home, you had a naturalist/historian along with you? Buy A GUIDE TO A GEORGIA BARRIER ISLAND and you'll be in the company of both. His name is Taylor Schoettle. His informative, easy-going style and eager descriptions of what you're walking on, looking at, and interested in make this book a tremendous bargain.

Lighthouse (St. Simons Trilogy) Book 1

by Eugenia Price

From the New York Times best-selling author Eugenia Price, Lighthouse is the saga of James Gould, a young man raised in the post-Revolution North who realizes his dream of designing and building a lighthouse on St. Simons Island in Georgia after much hardship and success.

God, Dr. Buzzard, and the Bolito Man: A Saltwater Geechee Talks About Life on Sapelo Island, Georgia

by Cornelia Walker Bailey

Equal parts cultural history and memoir, God, Dr. Buzzard, and the Bolito Man recounts a traditional way of life that is threatened by change, with stories that speak to our deepest notions of family, community, and a connection to one’s homeland.
Cornelia Walker Bailey models herself after the African griot, the tribal storytellers who keep the history of their people. Bailey’s people are the Geechee, whose cultural identity has been largely preserved due to the relative isolation of Sapelo, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia. In this rich account, Bailey captures the experience of growing up in an island community that counted the spirits of its departed among its members, relied on pride and ingenuity in the face of hardship, and taught her firsthand how best to reap the bounty of the marshes, woods and ocean that surrounded her. The power of this memoir to evoke the life of Sapelo Island is remarkable, and the history it preserves is invaluable.

Jekyll Island Club, The (GA) (Images of America)

by Jekyll Island Museum

In the late nineteenth century, some of the wealthiest families in America joined together to form the Jekyll Island Club. The Club operated for 54 years, from 1888 until 1942, and attracted an elite membership. The families of Cyrus McCormick, J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and William Vanderbilt were among those who enjoyed the leisurely pace and recreational adventure of the Georgia coast. The Jekyll Island Club includes images of the architecture, clothing, transportation, and natural beauty unique to the island. This exquisite collection is sure to rekindle awe and wonder in the hearts of those who have visited the island, and will serve as a wonderful introduction for newcomers. The Jekyll Island Club is a fascinating look at a bygone period.
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Jekyll Island: The Nearest Faraway Place

by unknown

Jekyll Island's undisturbed beauty, combined with its pleasant year-round weather and refreshing ocean breezes, provides a breathtaking backdrop for a variety of wonderful experiences. Located midway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, Jekyll Island is approximately 5,700 acres and the smallest of Georgia's barrier islands. As a tribute to the Island's allurement, the Jekyll Island Authority has published Jekyll Island The Nearest Faraway Place, a coffee table book recognizing the inspired talent of residents and guests and their ability to capture unique perspectives of our cherished Island. During the period of March through September 2010, a competition was conducted to discover photographs of, and poems about, Jekyll Island. Scenic images and inspiring narratives portraying Jekyll's beach and marsh, sunrise and sunsets, wildlife, nature, historic landmarks, and views from above were sought for inclusion in this project. Submissions included 70 from Georgia, 17 from different states, 4 from Canada and 1 from the United Kingdom. Results of the competition were announced and the winning selections are featured in the commemorative publication. Copyright of the selected works and all rights to publish became property of Jekyll Island Authority. Jekyll Island The Nearest Faraway Place is now currently available at the Visitor Information Center, the Commissary, the Jekyll Island Book Store, the Jekyll Island Museum Store, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Hattie's Books in Brunswick.

Their Gilded Cage: The Jekyll Island Club Members

by Richard Jay Hutto

"Their Gilded Cage: The Jekyll Island Club Members" recounts the rich heritage of this exclusive Georgia retreat whose members were said to control ONE-SIXTH of the nation's wealth. Lavishly illustrated with vintage photographs, this book offers a privileged glimpse into the families of such titans of industry as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William Rockefeller, Vincent Astor, and W. K. Vanderbilt.

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table [in the lobby, on a specific floor, outside the meeting room, wherever it may be] to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Unless specified otherwise, transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet with coffee, tea, and water.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

2

History & Marsh Study, St. Simons Field Trip, Sea Turtles

St. Simons Island, GA

B,L,D

Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort

Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile split up by field trips throughout the day. Walking over sand and uneven terrain as well as on paved surfaces. Driving approximately 10 miles total for the day; time spent on the bus may be around 2 hours.

Breakfast: We’ll start our day off right with a hearty and nutritious breakfast buffet at the hotel that includes a wide range of assorted breakfast pastries, cereals with milk, sliced fresh fruit, breakfast meats, biscuits and gravy, eggs and more with juice, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: After transferring from the hotel via motorcoach, our expert naturalist will lead us on an exciting beach and marsh walk with accompanying commentary focused on the interplay between these two distinct ecosystems. As we wander about on the hard-packed marsh floor during low tide, we will not risk any disturbance of the environment as we explore the area and observe its resident wildlife. Carrying onward to the beach, we’ll scout for critters and clues to their presence with the help of our naturalist.

Lunch: At a popular island restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll then carry on to St. Simons Island for an expert-led field trip at Fort Frederica where we will walk among the ancient live oaks while listening to fascinating historical tales. St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles and was originally developed by the slave-owning colonial English into plantations of cotton and other cash crops. Out of the widespread West African slave population in the southeast region of what is now the United States grew the distinctive Gullah and Geechee cultures. Since the turn of the 20th century, however, the island transformed into more of a resort community with a significant seasonal population. Fort Frederica, established in 1736 by James Oglethorpe, was made to defend Georgia’s southern border from the Floridian Spanish. Moving on, we will also make a stop at the historic St. Simons Lighthouse for an expert-led field trip. While here, we’ll explore the historic St. Simons Lighthouse campus which includes the Lighthouse, the Keeper's Dwelling Museum, the oil house and Victorian Gazebo, and the Maritime Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station. On our way back to the hotel, we will drive through the tiny seaside village noting historical and modern landmarks. As we pass, we’ll also learn about the iconic avenue of oaks and more.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At the hotel, we’ll gather for a lecture given by a local expert that will focus on sea turtles, their unique biological characteristics, and the efforts being made by organizations to preserve their population. These include, for instance, devices employed by the shrimping industry to avoid trapping these animals as bycatch. Known to be present in almost every ocean in the world, these speedy swimmers glide through the water on large flippers encased in smooth scaly skin and a hard shell to defend themselves from predators.

DAY

3

Jekyll Island, Free Time, Barrier Island Dynamics

St. Simons Island, GA

B,L,D

Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort

Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile split up on field trips throughout the day. Driving approximately 45 miles, about 2 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll depart via motorcoach and transfer to the Jekyll Island Museum for an expert-led field trip. The many exhibitions feature objects and photographs from extensive collections and will introduce us to the rich heritage of Jekyll Island, whose social and architectural legacy is reflected in the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District. A 240-acre riverfront compound, it is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States. Founded in 1886, the Jekyll Island Hotel was the winter retreat for some of America's most elite families including such names as Morgan, Astor, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt and Pulitzer. Here, on this small barrier island off Georgia's beautiful coast, the founders shaped a private world of grand cottage residences around a Queen Anne-style clubhouse. Much of this compound has been carefully preserved and faithfully restored in the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District, where we will be welcomed guests. After viewing an informative film and seeing photos from the time period at the museum, we’ll meet our historian who will provide background on the so-called “Millionaire’s Village” created by many well-known financial and political giants, many of whom gathered here 1910 to plan the Federal Reserve System. Boarding a tram around the historic district together, we’ll visit two of these impressively wealthy and exclusive homes from this formative period in American history. While aboard the tram, our local historian will illustrate the comprehensive context of the place and why it has become such a legacy.

Lunch: At the historic Jekyll Island Hotel, we’ll have a delicious plated meal featuring regional specialties with coffee, tea and water. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only four-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Enjoy elegant surroundings and simple pleasures. Its impressive members included such luminaries as J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Vincent Astor, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and other recognizable names on the roster were Macy, Goodyear and Gould.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to embark on a short and easy walk to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or through the oak-lined historic district to see local art such as pottery and hand-blown glass. We’ll then meet at a predetermined time and place to board the motorcoach and return to the hotel.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At the hotel, a local naturalist will join us to give a lecture about the dynamic ecological systems functioning in Georgia’s barrier islands.

DAY

4

Shrimp Trawl, Christ Church, Free Time, Sapelo History

St. Simons Island, GA

B,D

Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort

Activity note: Walking up to a maximum of 1 mile, about 1 hour collectively, on mostly paved walkways and some grass. Getting on/off a boat; the ride is about 2 hours; restrooms on board.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After transferring via motorcoach to the dock we will board the "Lady Jane," a working shrimp boat, for a shrimp trawl. The crew of the Lady Jane will provide an educational lesson with commentary on the local ecology as we cruise the protected waters of St. Simons Sound. If desired, we may even help out sorting the catch of bonnethead, blacktip, sand shark, horseshoe crab, puffer fish, amberjack, crocker, spot, whiting, bluecrab and skate; we may even see dolphins and coastal birds along the way! We’ll return to the dock and board our motorcoach for transfer to lovely Christ Church for an expert-led field trip with historical commentary. The atmosphere of Christ Church has captivated visitors for years with its distinctive architectural design and majestic live oak surroundings. This modern-day spectacle, like a vintage photograph, offers the Road Scholar viewer a peek into another time period. Ultimately, the widespread appeal of the site today may be linked to the 1880s generosity of Anson Dodge Jr., a man popularized by Eugenia Price in her book, "The Beloved Invader." While on our walking field trip, we will explore the unique environment and also make our way through the old cemetery which contains graves of early settlers and some famous Georgians.

Lunch: On your own to explore the local fare at one of the many restaurants on the island. Our motorcoach will be happy to drop people off at the village.

Afternoon: Free time. Take time on your own to explore the beauty of the island or just relax. Return transportation to the hotel will be on your own.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: A presentation on Sapelo Island’s history will be presented by a local expert at the hotel in preparation for our upcoming field trip to the island.

DAY

5

Ferry to Sapelo Island

St. Simons Island, GA

B,L,D

Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort

Activity note: Walking approximately 1 mile over several hours throughout the day on uneven terrain including sand and grass. Driving about 60 miles, approx. 2 hours. Getting on/off the ferry; the ride is approximately a ½ hour; restrooms on board.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll depart the hotel via motorcoach for transfer to the ferry’s docking point and the Mainland Visitor Center where we will have some time to learn through independent exploration of the exhibits about Sapelo’s cultural history, coastal wildlife and complex ecosystems of beach and dunes. At embarkation time, we’ll board the ferry for the short ride to the island and get ready for an expert-led field trip on the island where we will explore Native American shell mounds, visit tabby ruins of an old French estate, check out Nannygoat Beach, stop by tabby ruins of the slave cabins, and see the newly-restored Sapelo Lighthouse. Sapelo Island is reachable only by boat, making it an endearing isolated destination.

Lunch: At the beach pavilion on Sapelo Island (weather permitting) or at the local community center, we’ll be treated to a meal of local cuisine prepared by a resident of the island.

Afternoon: Our field trip on Sapelo will continue. Ferry leaves for the mainland in the mid-afternoon.

Dinner: At a popular island restaurant, we’ll enjoy our farewell dinner sharing our favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY

6

Program Concludes

St. Simons Island, GA

B

Activity note: Hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: At the hotel, our final presentation will be given by a local expert on a surprise subject of their choosing. We’ll then have a final program review and wrap-up session together recalling our new memories made together. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

13 Meals

5 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

5 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The hotel is centrally located on St. Simons Island and close to everything the Golden Isles have to offer: the finest beaches and golf courses, restaurants, historical sites, water sports and shopping. Your resort hotel has an outdoor pool, rooms that overlook the golf course or tidal marshlands, and all of this in the surrounds of giant live oak trees. Each guest room has a small refrigerator and sink. The deluxe rooms are some of the largest standard guest rooms in the Golden Isles. With breathtaking views from a screened porch or sunroom overlooking the marsh or golf course, the recently renovated rooms offer two double beds, a large bathroom with double sink vanity, a refrigerator, coffee maker and a wet bar.

The accommodations were excellent and the food I would give a B! We really enjoyed the walk on the beach with the gal who did that on Monday morning and we really enjoyed the trip on the Shrimp boat even though the weather was rather miserable!! When We signed up we thought we would learn a lot about St Simon Island, but felt we really didn't learn much at all...we did go to the turtle "hospital" and the lighthouse ( although we basically just sat on the grass by the lighthouse and just talked about it) but that was about all except the "free" afternoon when someone in the group mentioned a good restaurant that was down town and so we went and tried it (and learned more about the actual StSimon Island from the waitress than anywhere else!)...The all day tour on Sablo Island where we were told 40 people live and we toured all day long on a very old school bus on very bad roads through mostly Forrest and roots was a little much for a bunch of "old folks"!!... did enjoy the trip to Jekyll Island...however was quite disappointed about lack of info about StSimon Island itself...That was my 4th RS trip and by far my least favorite..the San Juan Islands, Yosemite, and the bridge "boot camp" in Vermont were all great...We are going to Iceland in Sept to another RS trip and am really looking forward to it...hope it rates up there with the first 3 I went on...Sara Stid

The week as a Road Scholar was outstanding. Our group leader made sure we were all involved in the daily activity. I would recommend the Road Scholar experience to anyone who enjoys travel and learning new content.

Fantastic, in-depth visit to an iconic and unique area of the South. The myriads of monstrous old live oaks draped with moss takes one back to a bygone era. The exploration of the islands' histories, culture, ecosystems is fascinating. The shrimp boat tour is an absolute highlight - not to be missed! Tour guides are outstanding!

It is stimulating and educational to get out of our home environment and learn about another part of the country. That was a highlight of my going to the salt marsh of Georgia from the prairies of South Dakota.

Excellent trip, leader and guest lecturers! Very outdoorsy program - brings back great memories of summer camp. You will go to places on this trip the average tourist would never have access to. Utter delight every day!

Highly enjoyable program! The group leader, Rusty, was great, and everything was well organized. Loved the shrimp boat session; the naturalist on board was very knowledgeable. Another highlight was the trip to Sapelo Island, with commentary by 2 residents of an island with less than 100 residents. It had a beautiful beach, and we had plenty of time to stroll and look for shells. We went the last week of February; if I were to do it over again, I might go a little earlier in the year for cooler weather.

Program is well organized and very educational. Presenters are top notch and experts in the field. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in experiencing coastal Island history and ecology.

This is a terrific program and meshes well with the Charleston trip we took last year. Life on these islands is totally different from other places I have been. The shrimping boat is not to be missed and I am now very sympathetic to the plight of sea turtles. What surprised me most was to see how much the state of Georgia has invested in the study and preservation of its sea shores, sea life and the lifestyles that developed there. A great trip!

By far, one of the very best RS programs we have been fortunate enough to experience. Our leader as well as the other presenters had amazing enthusiasm, despite having given this program numerous times.
The relatively small size of the group made it especially enjoyable.

One major advantage of participating in Road Scholar programs is the way they arrange for you to see/experience some behind the scene items that you would not see if you were the regular tourist visiting the area. You meet local experts who share behind the scene information that is most interesting.

This was my first visit to the "south." I was pleased to 1) learn about the barrier islands and how they protect the mainland and feed the oceans; 2) to learn about the Gullah culture of the barrier islands; 3) to learn about the somewhat unique plantation culture of the barrier islands; 4) to visit and learn about Sapelo Island; and 5) to experience and enjoy "southern" hospitality and food.

This was my first Road Scholar excursion. I was very pleased with the interesting program and learned a lot about the ecology and rich history of the interesting and unique barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. I strongly recommend this program to like-minded travelers. Karl R. Bossi Lt Colonel USAF (RET)

Wonderful program. Learned so much about the importance of the marshes. Good mix of presentations and activity. Very true to the program description. Educational and fun, just what you'd expect from a Road Scholar experience!

A chance to get up close and personal with the culture, history and people of St Simons, Jekyll and Sapelo Islands (from modest means to the wealthy) and much in between. The mix of history, nature and culture of these Islands (past and present) was well presented by our leaders, lecturers and hands-on nature/cultural guides. A very nice experience and pretty close to the way it was described in the materials before we came. A-.